Don't Let School Get In The Way Of Education

My view on "higher education"

[Mark Twain contributed the quote used for the title]

After amassing two years of a college education, I have come across a rather sad reality. Rather than saying “teaching high school history” with pride when I am asked what I’m going to college for, I am resigned to simply say that I really don’t know..

I have had a passion for history since the fourth grade when I learned about the Third Reich [which would also explain my fascination with World War II]. From then on til my senior year of high school, I had no problem with history. I would try to cram every kernel of knowledge into my head. The teaching aspect of my dream has existed since the eighth grade when I was privileged to have Mr. Holland for U.S. History. Luckily, I had him again for World Civ my sophomore year, and then my junior year I had Mr. Cruse—another influential man.

But something happened when I got to college. Things changed dramatically. The fire and passion was simply smothered out, and in a total of four semesters I have yet to record a B in any history class, even going as far as to drop one. It’s one hell of a feeling to realize that all those years that you have dreamed may amount to nothing. Maybe I should’ve aimed higher or tried harder. Because even though I hate failure and rejection a lot, I tend to set myself up for it perfectly.

My father has never really given much reason for why he never went to college and tried to make something better for himself. One day while driving, he finally divulged his lack of college experience: “Because, I was like you. I didn’t like to study.” Over the summer, I have gotten more of a taste of what my father’s life is like. One where a proficient degree of satisfaction is hardly achieved and damn near impossible. A job where the money made in the summer and fall has to last through the winter and spring [Roughly the working “season” is mid-June through mid-November]. The world of an owner/operator is hell—broken parts and broken equipment means money lost. And to top it off, you are your own mechanic.

For now, I am married to the dirt and my soul belongs to a Caterpillar 621. Come January, I am hoping to be “in the heart of Jackson’s Purchase” hoping to work my way out of the shadow of my father. To actually be successful at something, even if it isn’t what I had originally planned. Anything. Just something. But there is one thing: You can’t say that I haven’t learned anything.

”I wanna go to college for the rest of my life” – Asher Roth